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Eater
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
The 16 Coldest Martinis in Miami
View as Map Miami's love affair with coffee makes the espresso martini an understandable favorite, but as its palate matures, the classic martini has become the new 'it' drink in town. From the clean, bracing simplicity of a well-chilled gin martini to the briny indulgence of a dirty version loaded with olives, Miami's bartenders are putting their spin on this timeless icon. Here are the best spots to order one. Locations are listed from east to west. Read More Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy. A South Miami staple since the 1940s, locals mourned when it closed in 2015 and celebrated its return in 2022 — classics intact, including the signature ice-cold martini with a sidecar. The dark, cavernous feel adds to its charm, and dishes like the Original Thumb Bits (seared tenderloin tips with au jus served over toasted baguette slices) are a happy throwback in time. This popular bistro from acclaimed chef Thomas Keller serves a martini inspired by the Vesper, the cocktail Ian Fleming created for James Bond. Made with gin distilled with olives, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, the Bistro Martini leans into a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, and while it isn't shaken as Bond would prefer, stirring it 50 times ensures it is ice cold. Sip it on the newly opened patio — a stylish space that's ideal for lingering over a well-made drink. Order — what else — the house Gibson, a crisp, bracing martini that swaps olives for pickled onions, adding a tangy, savory edge to the classic. At the Gibson Room, it's elevated with a dash of dry sherry for a subtle nutty note, and served tableside from a Japanese shaker tin into a chilled glass. Two pearl onions round it out, offering just the right bite. This dimly lit bar, part of chef Michael Beltran's portfolio, sets the mood for indulgent pairings like maduros fondue with blue cheese and black garlic or bone marrow with buttermilk biscuits. Martini lovers flock to this newcomer from the team behind the now-shuttered Jaguar Sun, once known for some of the city's best cocktails. Here, the martini is a choose-your-own-adventure experience, with options for spirit, style (dry, 50/50, dirty, and filthy), and garnish (don't pass up the house blue cheese olives). Not in the mood to decide? Go for the Sunny's Martini, made with freezer gin and manzanilla sherry. This new addition to the Brickell bar scene may be a bit tricky to find (look for the unmarked door on the second floor of Mary Brickell Village), but it's well worth the effort. As the name suggests, this upscale speakeasy specializes in cocktails inspired by the Americas. The Taco Martini, made with tequila, avocado, grilled jalapeño oil, and a liqueur crafted from heirloom Mexican maize is as fun as it is flavorful. Head to the second floor of the Citadel food hall to experience one of the city's top bars, where under the glow of red lights, imbibers sip cocktails named after mythical beasts. The martini, dubbed 'Tarasca' after the Andalucian dragon said to summon storms and hail, is a sleek, silky mix with dill, cardamom, and a hint of olive oil — a combination that's unexpected and bold. Sign up for our newsletter. This longtime favorite edgy Vietnamese just rolled out a new martini lineup, with each of the four creations crafted by a different member of the bar team. Dubbed 'A Tini With A Snack,' the menu includes the Madame Ho Chi Minh, a Gibson-style martini with red bell shrub, paired with crispy pickled onion wonton, and the Golden Child, made with tequila, green chili, and served with crispy goat cheese stuffed olives. There's also the Dragon's Lair, which brings sake into the mix and comes with a side of wasabi peas. Chef Massimo Bottura, renowned for his three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena, brings his signature edgy Italian fare to Miami with this rooftop restaurant, perched atop Julia & Henry's food hall. Among its inventive cocktails, the Nuovo martini, made with Parmesan-infused vodka, walnut bitters, and Parmesan garnish, is a savory stunner that pairs beautifully with pasta. This lively aperitivo bar from Valentino Longo (formerly of the Champagne Bar) landed a James Beard finalist nod for Best New Bar less than a year after opening. Among several martini variations, a favorite with regulars is the Martini Doppio—a clever mashup of a dirty martini and a Gibson. Blending both French and Italian vermouth and topped with a cocktail onion steeped in sherry vinegar, oregano, and thyme, it hits a sweet-savory balance that's hard to beat. Pair it with one of the pizzas — some of the best in town. For a martini with a view, head to this local favorite helmed by iconic chef Michael Schwartz. With sweeping vistas of Biscayne Bay and Miami's skyline, the Lupe Martini stands out with its floral, refreshing notes, thanks to a blend of Italian lemon liqueur and L'Aperitivo Nonino, a bittersweet, citrus-forward aperitif. It's the ideal sip for watching the sunset while snacking on Schwartz's famous yuca puffs. This dark, retro bar in Miami Beach feels like a scene straight out of Miami Vice — if Don Johnson's character stumbled into a spot with top-tier cocktails and seriously good bar snacks. While there are several martinis on offer, the Bread Service Martini is a favorite. Served freezer-style (pre-batched and stored ice-cold for zero dilution) and paired with a buttery croissant, it's a match made in heaven. Those craving a classic Miami experience shouldn't miss this legendary spot. Known for its seasonal stone crabs and surprisingly good fried chicken (one of the best-kept secrets in town), both pair beautifully with an ice-cold martini. The ample martini menu spans flavors like key lime, lychee, and Godfather Sour, among others. For a sampler, stop by the bar Mondays through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for happy hour to enjoy the Tiny Tini cocktails. The martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth, so what better place to enjoy one than at a bar dedicated entirely to gin? It's expertly made using gin infused with hojiblanca olives, nutty, fino sherry, dry vermouth, and finished with a saline solution for a briny edge. Pair it with the array of Spanish tapas, like jamon iberico de bellota, boquerones, or Manchego, for a perfectly balanced bite. Whether kicking off the night or winding it down, a stop at the Greystone Bar is always a good call. This sultry hideaway sets the tone with dim lighting and a touch of old-school glamour, making it the perfect backdrop for a S'il Vous Plaît martini. Shaken with Botanist gin, Amaro Montenegro, and Lillet Blanc, it's a herbaceous twist on the classic, with just enough bite to keep things interesting. For purists, the traditional version is just as satisfying, and both pair perfectly with the bar's smash burger and live jazz. Water Lion Wine + Alchemy Whether it's the gracious owners, shuck-to-order oysters, or the welcoming escape from the Miami chaos, this unpretentious bar tucked inside the Sagamore Hotel always hits the mark. While known for its extensive wine and sake collection, the real standout is the Dirty Pickle Martini. Made with briny, in-house pickles — a recipe so beloved it inspired the former bartender to launch his own local brand, Fancy Schmancy Pickles — this savory sip features a medley of over 11 vegetables, including radish, daikon, cauliflower, okra, cucumbers, and beets, with just a dash of olive brine. Le Sirenuse Restaurant & Champagne Bar Those seeking a martini with a side of glamour should head to this stunning bar inside the historic Surf Club, an oceanfront retreat that once drew the who's who of Hollywood and high society. While best known for its champagne, the martinis here hold their own — from the house version with a dash of orange bitters to the inventive Mango Olives, made with gin infused with toasted Arborio rice, clarified mango puree, Japanese rice spirit, and a touch of olive brine. © 2025 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Link copied to the clipboard. A South Miami staple since the 1940s, locals mourned when it closed in 2015 and celebrated its return in 2022 — classics intact, including the signature ice-cold martini with a sidecar. The dark, cavernous feel adds to its charm, and dishes like the Original Thumb Bits (seared tenderloin tips with au jus served over toasted baguette slices) are a happy throwback in time. Open in Google Maps Foursquare This popular bistro from acclaimed chef Thomas Keller serves a martini inspired by the Vesper, the cocktail Ian Fleming created for James Bond. Made with gin distilled with olives, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, the Bistro Martini leans into a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, and while it isn't shaken as Bond would prefer, stirring it 50 times ensures it is ice cold. Sip it on the newly opened patio — a stylish space that's ideal for lingering over a well-made drink. Order — what else — the house Gibson, a crisp, bracing martini that swaps olives for pickled onions, adding a tangy, savory edge to the classic. At the Gibson Room, it's elevated with a dash of dry sherry for a subtle nutty note, and served tableside from a Japanese shaker tin into a chilled glass. Two pearl onions round it out, offering just the right bite. This dimly lit bar, part of chef Michael Beltran's portfolio, sets the mood for indulgent pairings like maduros fondue with blue cheese and black garlic or bone marrow with buttermilk biscuits. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Martini lovers flock to this newcomer from the team behind the now-shuttered Jaguar Sun, once known for some of the city's best cocktails. Here, the martini is a choose-your-own-adventure experience, with options for spirit, style (dry, 50/50, dirty, and filthy), and garnish (don't pass up the house blue cheese olives). Not in the mood to decide? Go for the Sunny's Martini, made with freezer gin and manzanilla sherry. Open in Google Maps Foursquare This new addition to the Brickell bar scene may be a bit tricky to find (look for the unmarked door on the second floor of Mary Brickell Village), but it's well worth the effort. As the name suggests, this upscale speakeasy specializes in cocktails inspired by the Americas. The Taco Martini, made with tequila, avocado, grilled jalapeño oil, and a liqueur crafted from heirloom Mexican maize is as fun as it is flavorful. Head to the second floor of the Citadel food hall to experience one of the city's top bars, where under the glow of red lights, imbibers sip cocktails named after mythical beasts. The martini, dubbed 'Tarasca' after the Andalucian dragon said to summon storms and hail, is a sleek, silky mix with dill, cardamom, and a hint of olive oil — a combination that's unexpected and bold. This longtime favorite edgy Vietnamese just rolled out a new martini lineup, with each of the four creations crafted by a different member of the bar team. Dubbed 'A Tini With A Snack,' the menu includes the Madame Ho Chi Minh, a Gibson-style martini with red bell shrub, paired with crispy pickled onion wonton, and the Golden Child, made with tequila, green chili, and served with crispy goat cheese stuffed olives. There's also the Dragon's Lair, which brings sake into the mix and comes with a side of wasabi peas. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Chef Massimo Bottura, renowned for his three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena, brings his signature edgy Italian fare to Miami with this rooftop restaurant, perched atop Julia & Henry's food hall. Among its inventive cocktails, the Nuovo martini, made with Parmesan-infused vodka, walnut bitters, and Parmesan garnish, is a savory stunner that pairs beautifully with pasta. Book with OpenTable Book with OpenTable Open in Google Maps This lively aperitivo bar from Valentino Longo (formerly of the Champagne Bar) landed a James Beard finalist nod for Best New Bar less than a year after opening. Among several martini variations, a favorite with regulars is the Martini Doppio—a clever mashup of a dirty martini and a Gibson. Blending both French and Italian vermouth and topped with a cocktail onion steeped in sherry vinegar, oregano, and thyme, it hits a sweet-savory balance that's hard to beat. Pair it with one of the pizzas — some of the best in town. For a martini with a view, head to this local favorite helmed by iconic chef Michael Schwartz. With sweeping vistas of Biscayne Bay and Miami's skyline, the Lupe Martini stands out with its floral, refreshing notes, thanks to a blend of Italian lemon liqueur and L'Aperitivo Nonino, a bittersweet, citrus-forward aperitif. It's the ideal sip for watching the sunset while snacking on Schwartz's famous yuca puffs. Book with OpenTable Book with OpenTable Open in Google Maps Foursquare This dark, retro bar in Miami Beach feels like a scene straight out of Miami Vice — if Don Johnson's character stumbled into a spot with top-tier cocktails and seriously good bar snacks. While there are several martinis on offer, the Bread Service Martini is a favorite. Served freezer-style (pre-batched and stored ice-cold for zero dilution) and paired with a buttery croissant, it's a match made in heaven. Those craving a classic Miami experience shouldn't miss this legendary spot. Known for its seasonal stone crabs and surprisingly good fried chicken (one of the best-kept secrets in town), both pair beautifully with an ice-cold martini. The ample martini menu spans flavors like key lime, lychee, and Godfather Sour, among others. For a sampler, stop by the bar Mondays through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for happy hour to enjoy the Tiny Tini cocktails. Open in Google Maps Foursquare The martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth, so what better place to enjoy one than at a bar dedicated entirely to gin? It's expertly made using gin infused with hojiblanca olives, nutty, fino sherry, dry vermouth, and finished with a saline solution for a briny edge. Pair it with the array of Spanish tapas, like jamon iberico de bellota, boquerones, or Manchego, for a perfectly balanced bite. Whether kicking off the night or winding it down, a stop at the Greystone Bar is always a good call. This sultry hideaway sets the tone with dim lighting and a touch of old-school glamour, making it the perfect backdrop for a S'il Vous Plaît martini. Shaken with Botanist gin, Amaro Montenegro, and Lillet Blanc, it's a herbaceous twist on the classic, with just enough bite to keep things interesting. For purists, the traditional version is just as satisfying, and both pair perfectly with the bar's smash burger and live jazz. Whether it's the gracious owners, shuck-to-order oysters, or the welcoming escape from the Miami chaos, this unpretentious bar tucked inside the Sagamore Hotel always hits the mark. While known for its extensive wine and sake collection, the real standout is the Dirty Pickle Martini. Made with briny, in-house pickles — a recipe so beloved it inspired the former bartender to launch his own local brand, Fancy Schmancy Pickles — this savory sip features a medley of over 11 vegetables, including radish, daikon, cauliflower, okra, cucumbers, and beets, with just a dash of olive brine. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Those seeking a martini with a side of glamour should head to this stunning bar inside the historic Surf Club, an oceanfront retreat that once drew the who's who of Hollywood and high society. While best known for its champagne, the martinis here hold their own — from the house version with a dash of orange bitters to the inventive Mango Olives, made with gin infused with toasted Arborio rice, clarified mango puree, Japanese rice spirit, and a touch of olive brine. Open in Google Maps Foursquare
Eater
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Say Hello to the Bay Area's Most Smackable Bars That, Also, Slap
View as Map A few years ago, a wave of bars inspired by the famed Japanese hi-fi style listening lounges started hitting the Bay Area. And while there are still some spots in the region that operate closely to the Japanese model of hi-fi audio in a relaxed social environment that breeds conversation, it's the evolution of this concept that makes for some of the most intriguing and exciting destinations. Unsurprisingly, the Bay Area has taken the original idea of a listening bar and redefined it. Now, we have a vibrant set of establishments that are dedicated to pristine audio environments and cocktails, but have also found alluring ways to weave in food, diverse layouts, and in some cases, the personalities of owners and vinyl selectors. These are the go-to listening bars and restaurants in the Bay. Read More Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy. The first listening bar in the Bay is the truest to the Tokyo 'jazz kissa' lounge experience, where service to the music comes first, and it brings out the best conversations. Since 2019, Bar Shiru has been both a great jumping off point for a night in the heart of Uptown Oakland's entertainment district, and a singular destination for refined, precise, and comfortable vibes (yet unpretentious enough to order at the bar on weekdays). From Madlib's essential beat conductions to Freddie Hubbard's distinct trumpet tonalities, full albums play over the immaculate analog system (headlined by two LM-812 loudspeakers) that's nothing short of a work of art. Meanwhile, the house's signature Moonglow cocktail — an herbaceous and complex martini riff — nods to owners Daniel Garr and Shirin Raza's new speakeasy down the street at Gold Palm, another portal dedicated to sound. Next door to three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn, you'll find chef Dominique Crenn's more accessible Bar Crenn. A massive wall of Crenn's records looms over the intimate hi-fi lounge, where seasonal cocktails brush up next to seafood-oriented bites like scallop crudo and oysters in an umami-focused drinks and bites experience. You can flip through the records and add some to the evening's queue, and don't be surprised if you end up talking vinyl with Chef Crenn herself, who's often hanging out and chatting with guests. For the ultimate visit, reserve one of ten spots for the Le Comptoir interactive tasting menu, a Michelin-starred offering served at the bartop. Make a reservation via Tock. The hallmark of a great listening bar is one that's so marvelously conducive to conversation that time just disappears. Moongate Lounge (above Chinatown scion Mister Jiu's) is one of those places. Sitting in red velvet booths, or underneath the glorious color-changing moongate skylight, tunes from Slum Village to Hiatus Kaiyote come thru cleanly, complementing a jujubee infused negroni or the 'Clear and Bright' cocktail with duck fat-washed rye and lapsang tea. Bar honcho Garrett Marks scours Chinatown markets and tea shops for ingredients that he and the excellent staff of mostly female bartenders mix up. Don't sleep on memorable snacks like a crab rangoon dip, Sichuan smoked olives, and one of the best prawn cocktails in town. Reservations are available via Tock. Co-owner Will Herrera used to run the Barbary Coast trail institution Old Ship Saloon, so he knows a thing or two about honoring downtown San Francisco's bar culture. 'We're here for an intentionally social environment, not a nightclub vibe,' he says of the nearly three-year-old Harlan Records, tucked down a cheeky alley. Open most days at 2 p.m. and closing late every day, it's hard to leave Harlan once you're sitting in a leather-bound chair, booth, or bar stool. A classic McIntosh receiver powers part of the system that Herrera says is still evolving. The striking cocktail list and loaded 'Duets' (shot and beer combo) offering are fun to explore in the afternoon, or while hearing curated records from prime local selectors at night. A custom record coffin greets you at Yokai's host station, playing records over a digital and analog system. Chef Marc Zimmerman's listening bar incorporates his signature live fire cooking with top-notch raw seafood, all sourced from NorCal and Japan. Jazz reigns supreme in a hip room very well-designed for masterful sound that fosters conversation (note the Godzilla painting on the far wall). The series of Roku gin and Haku vodka martinis is fantastic, and Yokai just might have the most comprehensive selection of Japanese whiskeys in the city. Like many places south of Gough Street, Phonobar is hard to find if you're not looking for it. There's a diverse range of seating in the low-slung ceiling front room highlighted by a greenhouse windowed alcove. Sipping cocktails and eating vegan bites from Om Sabor, you might not feel like you're in a listening bar until you settle into the cavernous, leather banquette-lined back room, where seating faces a raised DJ booth in the crown jewel atmosphere of the entire space. Here, vinyl selectors (like Rebirth Jazz every third Wednesday) dig into their crates for tunes 'til midnight over premium audio. Sign up for our newsletter. SF's newest addition to the listening bar circuit takes the concept to new heights, fully incorporating the element of food. Chef Parker Brown's Midwest-comfort menu includes a decadent burger with bone marrow and Tomales Farmstead Creamery goat cheese that nods to a pro move order at Chicago's storied Au Cheval, as well as a perfectly fried chicken cutlet with chickories, hazelnut, and zesty honey mustard that's delightfully bitter and sweet; both have many dashing pairings on La Ciccia's Paul Chung-curated wine list. Meanwhile, Brown's partner and co-owner, Caroline, helms the music component led by the first-ever Tub's Audio speakers installed in a U.S. restaurant. Suffice it to say, Side A sounds impeccable, both in the evening when Caroline (DJ Music Please) and illustrious selectors (King Most! Mophono!) are on the decks, as well as in late Mission mornings where house-made donuts and the Coffee Movement's drinks paint a convivial portrait of this spectacular space. Reservations are available on Resy. This San Jose lounge checks in with multiple McIntosh amps powering a sound system led by a sleek hi-fi wall of sound behind the DJ booth. A lively small space that's an oasis amidst clubbier First Street bars, Still O.G. has all of its cocktails on draft — at a reasonable $14 a pop at that! — that's so the noise from shakers doesn't disrupt the function. There's also Asian-leaning bites like chicken tsukune and king trumpet mushroom skewers, crab noodles, and even a smash burger. Peep behind the soundproof velvet curtain in the back to uncover the Alter Ego cocktail and bites speakeasy, a choice destination that recently hosted a bar pop-up night with SF's True Laurel. Reservations for Alter Ego can be found at OpenTable. © 2025 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Link copied to the clipboard. The first listening bar in the Bay is the truest to the Tokyo 'jazz kissa' lounge experience, where service to the music comes first, and it brings out the best conversations. Since 2019, Bar Shiru has been both a great jumping off point for a night in the heart of Uptown Oakland's entertainment district, and a singular destination for refined, precise, and comfortable vibes (yet unpretentious enough to order at the bar on weekdays). From Madlib's essential beat conductions to Freddie Hubbard's distinct trumpet tonalities, full albums play over the immaculate analog system (headlined by two LM-812 loudspeakers) that's nothing short of a work of art. Meanwhile, the house's signature Moonglow cocktail — an herbaceous and complex martini riff — nods to owners Daniel Garr and Shirin Raza's new speakeasy down the street at Gold Palm, another portal dedicated to sound. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Next door to three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn, you'll find chef Dominique Crenn's more accessible Bar Crenn. A massive wall of Crenn's records looms over the intimate hi-fi lounge, where seasonal cocktails brush up next to seafood-oriented bites like scallop crudo and oysters in an umami-focused drinks and bites experience. You can flip through the records and add some to the evening's queue, and don't be surprised if you end up talking vinyl with Chef Crenn herself, who's often hanging out and chatting with guests. For the ultimate visit, reserve one of ten spots for the Le Comptoir interactive tasting menu, a Michelin-starred offering served at the bartop. Make a reservation via Tock. Open in Google Maps Foursquare The hallmark of a great listening bar is one that's so marvelously conducive to conversation that time just disappears. Moongate Lounge (above Chinatown scion Mister Jiu's) is one of those places. Sitting in red velvet booths, or underneath the glorious color-changing moongate skylight, tunes from Slum Village to Hiatus Kaiyote come thru cleanly, complementing a jujubee infused negroni or the 'Clear and Bright' cocktail with duck fat-washed rye and lapsang tea. Bar honcho Garrett Marks scours Chinatown markets and tea shops for ingredients that he and the excellent staff of mostly female bartenders mix up. Don't sleep on memorable snacks like a crab rangoon dip, Sichuan smoked olives, and one of the best prawn cocktails in town. Reservations are available via Tock. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Co-owner Will Herrera used to run the Barbary Coast trail institution Old Ship Saloon, so he knows a thing or two about honoring downtown San Francisco's bar culture. 'We're here for an intentionally social environment, not a nightclub vibe,' he says of the nearly three-year-old Harlan Records, tucked down a cheeky alley. Open most days at 2 p.m. and closing late every day, it's hard to leave Harlan once you're sitting in a leather-bound chair, booth, or bar stool. A classic McIntosh receiver powers part of the system that Herrera says is still evolving. The striking cocktail list and loaded 'Duets' (shot and beer combo) offering are fun to explore in the afternoon, or while hearing curated records from prime local selectors at night. Open in Google Maps Foursquare A custom record coffin greets you at Yokai's host station, playing records over a digital and analog system. Chef Marc Zimmerman's listening bar incorporates his signature live fire cooking with top-notch raw seafood, all sourced from NorCal and Japan. Jazz reigns supreme in a hip room very well-designed for masterful sound that fosters conversation (note the Godzilla painting on the far wall). The series of Roku gin and Haku vodka martinis is fantastic, and Yokai just might have the most comprehensive selection of Japanese whiskeys in the city. Book with OpenTable Book with OpenTable Open in Google Maps Foursquare Like many places south of Gough Street, Phonobar is hard to find if you're not looking for it. There's a diverse range of seating in the low-slung ceiling front room highlighted by a greenhouse windowed alcove. Sipping cocktails and eating vegan bites from Om Sabor, you might not feel like you're in a listening bar until you settle into the cavernous, leather banquette-lined back room, where seating faces a raised DJ booth in the crown jewel atmosphere of the entire space. Here, vinyl selectors (like Rebirth Jazz every third Wednesday) dig into their crates for tunes 'til midnight over premium audio. Open in Google Maps Foursquare SF's newest addition to the listening bar circuit takes the concept to new heights, fully incorporating the element of food. Chef Parker Brown's Midwest-comfort menu includes a decadent burger with bone marrow and Tomales Farmstead Creamery goat cheese that nods to a pro move order at Chicago's storied Au Cheval, as well as a perfectly fried chicken cutlet with chickories, hazelnut, and zesty honey mustard that's delightfully bitter and sweet; both have many dashing pairings on La Ciccia's Paul Chung-curated wine list. Meanwhile, Brown's partner and co-owner, Caroline, helms the music component led by the first-ever Tub's Audio speakers installed in a U.S. restaurant. Suffice it to say, Side A sounds impeccable, both in the evening when Caroline (DJ Music Please) and illustrious selectors (King Most! Mophono!) are on the decks, as well as in late Mission mornings where house-made donuts and the Coffee Movement's drinks paint a convivial portrait of this spectacular space. Reservations are available on Resy. This San Jose lounge checks in with multiple McIntosh amps powering a sound system led by a sleek hi-fi wall of sound behind the DJ booth. A lively small space that's an oasis amidst clubbier First Street bars, Still O.G. has all of its cocktails on draft — at a reasonable $14 a pop at that! — that's so the noise from shakers doesn't disrupt the function. There's also Asian-leaning bites like chicken tsukune and king trumpet mushroom skewers, crab noodles, and even a smash burger. Peep behind the soundproof velvet curtain in the back to uncover the Alter Ego cocktail and bites speakeasy, a choice destination that recently hosted a bar pop-up night with SF's True Laurel. Reservations for Alter Ego can be found at OpenTable.
The Verge
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
PNY has its own Switch 2-ready microSD Express card, too
Cameron Faulkner Storage and component company PNY announced that its 128GB and 256GB microSD Express cards for Switch 2 are now shipping, costing $44.99 and $55.99, respectively. Its lineup brings the same PCIe 3.0 spec as the other microSD Express cards out there (blowing regular microSD cards out of the water when it comes to speed). Let's hope that PNY launches a 1TB model soon, because the Switch 2's 256GB of built-in storage can only carry a handful of AAA games. If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.
The Verge
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Cameron Faulkner
PNY has its own Switch 2-ready microSD Express card, too Storage and component company PNY announced that its 128GB and 256GB microSD Express cards for Switch 2 are now shipping, costing $44.99 and $55.99, respectively. Its lineup brings the same PCIe 3.0 spec as same PCIe 3.0 spec as the other microSD Express cards out there (blowing regular microSD cards out of the water when it comes to speed). Let's hope that PNY launches a 1TB model soon, because the Switch 2's 256GB of built-in storage can only carry a handful of AAA games. If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.
New York Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
How Kara Swisher Scaled Even Higher
Kara Swisher's interviews made her famous among technology obsessives decades ago. She persuaded the rivals Bill Gates of Microsoft and Steve Jobs of Apple to play nice onstage. She reduced Meta's founder Mark Zuckerberg, then just 26, to a puddle of sweat. She shoved her camera in the face of her future boss, Jim Bankoff, Vox Media's chief executive, among others. But it wasn't until she began podcasting that she reached an audience far beyond the tech world. In 2018, she started 'Pivot,' a news-chat podcast, with Scott Galloway, a serial entrepreneur and marketing professor who now has his own slate of brash business podcasts under the name 'Prof G.' They were an odd couple — she was grouchy, he was raunchy — but their banter was tender and intellectual when they weren't torturing each other. Fans began stopping Ms. Swisher in public, recognizing the aviator sunglasses that had become a swaggering signature. 'I'd never made a product or a news thing that people thanked me for,' Ms. Swisher, 62, said in a recent interview at a cafe in the shadow of the National Cathedral in Washington, where she lives with her wife and children. 'At the end of this long career, it's like, 'Oh wow. I make something people really like.'' So she and Mr. Galloway decided to assess its worth, shopping their portfolio of five podcasts around to other companies before their contract with Vox Media, their publisher, neared its end. Competitive offers came in with guaranteed payments of about $40 million on four-year contracts, Ms. Swisher said. But in the end, they agreed to re-sign with Vox Media, with an unusual twist. The deal does not carry any guarantees or upfront cash. The payday for Ms. Swisher and Mr. Galloway is instead based entirely on how much money their podcasts generate. Vox Media will pocket about 30 percent, while the co-hosts split the rest. At the high end of back-of-the-envelope calculations — Mr. Galloway said the podcasts could generate $100 million in revenue over the four years — the pair would stand to make about $70 million excluding some costs. (A portion of the costs for their slate of shows is split among the hosts and Vox Media.) The novel structure of the deal cements Ms. Swisher's reputation for betting on herself. But it is also the kind of deal that could have wider implications, as more journalists follow Ms. Swisher's example in fashioning themselves as new media entrepreneurs. Ms. Swisher's path to celebrity — a power broker who name drops other power brokers — has taken her from The Washington Post; to The Wall Street Journal; to The New York Times, where she was an opinion columnist and host of a podcast called 'Sway.' Along the way, she co-founded two media businesses, AllThingsD and Recode, published three books, survived a mini-stroke, raised a family and harbored few regrets. (Here's one: 'I was too nice to Elon for too long,' Ms. Swisher said of Elon Musk, the Tesla chief executive.) She also learned a fundamental truth about herself: She does not want to be an employee, nor does she want to employ anyone. She wore a sweater to a White House Correspondents' Association dinner party that warned people, or perhaps boasted, 'I'm not for everyone.' 'Every day I get to decide what I do,' she said, 'and it's not dependent on anybody.' Except, in some ways, Mr. Galloway and Mr. Bankoff of Vox Media. Mr. Bankoff and Ms. Swisher got into business together in 2015 when Vox Media bought Recode, a tech news site she had started with Walt Mossberg, a pioneering technology journalist at The Journal. Mr. Bankoff characterized the hosts as 'tough' during the negotiations over 'Pivot.' 'They're not going to give us some home-team special,' he said during an interview at his home in Washington. But there was mutual trust, he added. 'The trust is born out of us performing together.' Mr. Galloway, 60, the more feral half of their screwball comedy team, negotiated the finer points of the 'Pivot' agreement. Ms. Swisher confirmed the terms of the deal. Vox Media, for example, still owes the duo $20 million for completing their first deal. Mr. Galloway concocted a plan that allows the pair to receive that money in installments over seven years with interest, rather than pay a hefty tax on a one-time check. 'What I constantly say to Kara is, 'You need to start thinking like a billionaire,'' Mr. Galloway said. 'She's making me much more famous. I'm making her richer.' The pair are the hosts or co-hosts of four other podcasts at Vox Media: 'On,' Ms. Swisher's solo interview show; 'Raging Moderates,' a political podcast with Mr. Galloway and the Democratic strategist Jessica Tarlov; 'Prof G Markets,' focused on the global economy with the business writer Ed Elson; and 'The Prof G. Pod,' which features Mr. Galloway's business insights and life advice. Ms. Swisher's reach in the media world goes far beyond Vox Media. She is finalizing a deal for a documentary series about cheating death, produced with EverWonder Studio, probably for CNN, where she said she already earns around $250,000 annually as a contributor. She is working on a book about mortality and future tech. There is a potential TV show based on her memoir and another possible series about tech moguls. She also serves as a consultant on a D.C. version of the series 'The L Word.' Last year, she said she learned about 'sexual text messages' between a writer at New York magazine, Olivia Nuzzi, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now the health secretary, whom Ms. Nuzzi profiled while he campaigned for president. (New York magazine is owned by Vox Media.) She said she passed the information to the magazine, and Vox Media later disclosed the relationship. All of this activity means Ms. Swisher is basically working nonstop, Mr. Galloway said. 'She's always in motion.' Her intensity initially put some strain on their relationship — there was some 'storming, norming and forming,' Mr. Galloway said. 'The good news is, I can text her at any time,' Mr. Galloway said. During an interview, he tested this out — she responded within seconds. 'You adore me,' she shot back. 'The bad news is: She does text me at all times,' he said. There is still more that Ms. Swisher would like to do. As morale sagged to new depths at The Washington Post in recent months, she mounted a public campaign to buy the newspaper from its owner, the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. (Mr. Bezos has given no indications he is willing to sell.) She has also talked to Mr. Bankoff about using Vox Media to create a new consortium of independent media properties. She has worked, too, as an informal adviser to the growing number of journalists who, like her, have moved to start their own ventures. Her level of support varies. When Casey Newton, a tech journalist, left Vox Media to start his own newsletter, she offered to let him stay rent-free in the guesthouse of a home she owns in San Francisco. (He is now also a co-host of 'Hard Fork,' a New York Times podcast.) And she encouraged the CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour to start her own podcast about world events, 'The Ex Files,' over dinner in London. After another CNN anchor, Don Lemon, was fired by the network in 2023, Ms. Swisher advised Mr. Lemon not to get into business with Mr. Musk. Mr. Lemon did, and the two are now locked in a legal battle over the termination of his show on X. Onstage with Mr. Lemon last year while promoting her memoir, Ms. Swisher expressed admiration for his leap to independent media. 'You've given up the town cars and fancy things for your own entrepreneurial sense,' said Ms. Swisher, who was wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt printed with her book's cover. 'You should have an interest in the outcome, which means the revenues and profits.'
